Ichiro, Yanks near deal

NEW YORK — Ichiro Suzuki and the Yankees are closing in on a contract that would guarantee the outfielder between $12 million and $13 million.

A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Thursday the agreement likely would be for a two-year deal.

Acquired from the Seattle Mariners on July 23, the 39-year-old Suzuki revived his career in New York. He batted .261 with four homers, 28 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 95 games with the Mariners, then hit .322 with five homers, 27 RBI and 14 steals in 67 games for the Yankees to help them win the AL East.

The Yankees also planned to finalize a $12 million, one-year contract on Friday with Kevin Youkilis.

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